I seriously spent days obsessing over this. I was so afraid Sirius was going to die and that they would never get together. You don't understand the stress this put me under. I literally sat at work reading as fast as I could to make sure he wouldn't die, and that they ended up together. So thank you for not ruining my life. I was really scared there when I realized how close this was to being over.

So I have read about ten million Sirius/OC's, and I always focused on Marauders era because I didn't want dead Jily and I didn't want him to die in the end. But I kind of exhausted all the ones that seemed interesting, so I checked out a thread and someone recommended yours. And I was instantly hooked, as you can see from my previous reviews. This is such a different take on him, from what I've seen. I'm too tired to really leave a productive review, so I'm just going to gush. Because I love Nora, and I love her with Sirius. And I love how intense their feelings are. It makes me want to find my own Sirius. Because he's perfect. Especially the way you write him. Even though he's not actually perfect. He has flaws but just... Ugh I'm too exhausted he is just perfect okay? I think we can agree on that. Well I'm going to stop rambling nonsense but basically I love your story and you're a brilliant writer and I wish there was more of this to read but there isn't so I guess this is goodbye. *gross sobbing*

DANG FLABBIT NORA YOU ARE SO DUMB JUST STOP TALKING AND INTERRUPTING HIM GOOD LORD. Okay. That's off my chest. I suppose you can't let them get together that easily, but there are only 7 chapters left! And by the lack of AU tag he's going to die in two months!!! Argh!! If you don't get them together at all I might cry. As in, monumental tears, of anger. This is torture!

I liked this chapter even though it wasn't really eventful. It's good to see them acting normally, going outside, getting drunk. It's a shame they always go back to having to hunt Death Eaters. Argh, the blasted war! I had a theory about Archer but you kind of just threw it away. I thought maybe it could be Draco but if he's not at Hogwarts then I'm guessing it'll just be an OC. I'm really interested to see what happens with him.

Well this was rather dramatic. Can't say I was surprised when they discovered Nora was gone. She doesn't really seem one to cry and mope about it, she takes action. This is an interesting turn though, her having a younger brother. I wonder where that's going... And it was interesting to see this from Snape's perspective. I just wish Desdemona could have revealed more! You just love to tease, dangling information right in front of us! Just tell us already!

Well that's a plot twist if I ever saw one. I kind of saw something coming with her, there's no way her being at St. Mungo's wasn't deliberate. I must say I really admire the way you write this. I find it very difficult to write scenes involving the Dark side. I don't know why, I just always draw a blank. You do a great job of including the Order and making it a large part of the plot while still including some romance. You're great at balancing everything. I wish I could write like this!

This was a kind of intense chapter. I like that Snape recognizes how much Sirius needs Nora. And it's interesting the way she sees Snape, which I guess I had never thought of before. I've said this before but I just hate him, so seeing him in this light is really weird to me. It's odd for her to sympathize with him because I honestly can't do that, but I find myself wanting to when I read this. Most of all I love the intensity with which Sirius feels for Nora. It's so passionate, yet he does such a good job of hiding it. I love that they're so oblivious to each other. When they finally get together it will be so awesome!

Oh this was bound to be sad. It's a shame Healers can't cure everyone... But on a brighter note, there was definitely some Sirius/Nora action. I wish Sirius would stop ignoring her though, why can't they just admit they have feelings for each other? It's undeniable! But I'm afraid of how Snape would react... Maybe he would get mad at her for it. Uh oh. Or maybe he would keep fighting. Grrr no, Snape, get away!

I liked this chapter quite a bit. But then again, I've liked all of them so far! But really this story gives me endless butterflies. I think it's the best written fanfiction I've ever read. Please tell me you have plans of becoming a published author. You must share your talent with the world!
Anyway, I'm getting rather impatient already. I can't wait any longer, I need to read the next chapter!

Oh I love balls! I know it's a total cliche, but I just think they offer so many opportunities for drama. I'm using one in my story as well. It'll be interesting to see how Sirius is going to respond... I kind of like how they're reverting to their kind of petty school day attitudes. Maybe Nora will help them settle their differences? Personally, you may have noticed, I'm rooting for Sirius. Partly because I think Snape is a right git, mostly because I'm madly in love with Sirius myself. (Yes, you guessed right, I'm actually Nora. You've been writing about my life this entire time). I'm a bit unhealthily obsessed, but tomorrow is my day off, so binge-night-reading here I come!

I knew it! I knew something awful was going to happen! Oh no... I hope she's okay. And that they don't break in while she's gone. Where were Fudge and the other woman through all this? I feel like they would have heard all the ruckus... But man I had to skip a few details because they were just too much. I get queasy very easily, and you are just so detailed in your writing that I just couldn't handle it. Other than that this was a great chapter! Or I guess it still is with it, but you know what I mean.

I am falling in love with this story. The emotions are so real, so palpable. I feel what Sirius feels when he explores in Nora's drawer. I feel Nora's joy at his letter. With most stories I would beg for them to be together, but I'm kind of liking where it is now. I like their obliviousness to each other's feelings. It's just so cute. But I feel like things went too well in this chapter... I'm afraid of what may come... *swallows*

This was a nice change in scene after the dramatic ending to the last chapter. I think it'll be really interesting for Nora to continue her 'spying' at Hogwarts. Though I doubt she would remain undetected, Ron most likely told the rest of the trio no more than a second after they had left the classroom. I loved the bit with Umbridge in there. She is so foul, but you write her so very well! I'm excited to see how Sirius will react to the whole scene, but Nora is probably spot on. I think I was right in predicting a love triangle... Sirius/Nora all the way!!

Wow that got really intense really fast. I wasn't expecting it to take that kind of turn at all. I guess it makes sense, though. It would be strange for Nora to remain safe through all this, considering the ends most Order members meet. I love how level headed she is, she seems to be very in tune with her emotions -- except for where Death Eaters are concerned, of course. I love Sirius's sort of passionate way of protecting her. I'm really excited to see how things progress between them.

I'm really loving this story! Nora and Sirius are so playful, and I love how joyful she seems to be regardless of her past. She could definitely be good for him. I'm also interested to see how her relationship with Snape progresses... Am I sensing a love triangle? I was also wondering, what house is Nora in? Is that mentioned later on? So far I can't really place her... Hopefully it's revealed at some point.

I loved that last scene. Poor Sirius, his life is such a nightmare. I couldn't even imagine going through all of that. But I would hate to see him deny himself of the possibility of happiness. It's understandable for him to feel this way though... Hopefully Nora can reciprocate those feelings!

Why hello there! Venturing into another one of your stories because you siriusly (ha!) are a very talented writer. Sirius/OC is my favorite pairing, but I've honestly never read it outside of the Marauder's Era. I find this very interesting, and I'm really liking Nora's character. I'm interested to see how and why she became an animagus. That there would be quite a story, I think. I must say your writing is spot on. I find myself astonished by the fact that I'm reading this on a screen and not in print from a book store. You have a way with words that only few do.
Anywho, I think this is a lovely start. I look forward to reading more!

I just wanted to say that I love this story with all my heart. It's a fitting tribute to a character, who I think, got robbed of a proper ending. Sirius has always been my favorite character and it is truly amazing to find a story where it's not some super clichéd plot. They are great characters and I admire you for leaving them flawed. I found this originally on ff. net, and was heartbroken to find it was no longer there. I had forgotten about it until I stumbled across it here. Thank you for the great story and the proper ending Sirius deserved. :) a little more steaminess couldn't have hurt, especially after the tension those two created. thanks again for the great story!

Oooh, devious! I was so sad at the beginning of this chapter since I thought you were going to keep it canon.. I'm thrilled that you gave him the happy ending he so desperately deserves! Love this! And, I'll admit, I'm jealous of Nora. ;)

";and Nora was left thinking about Severus, and the fact that he had suffered even more than Sirius. He was utterly alone and dancing on a thin line of peril between his true face and the mask he wore for the Dark side. When Severus stepped into the shadow of Voldemort, there was nothing between him and his own death except for exceptional bravery and cleverness, and even when he drifted over to his real life, he was still alone, reclusive. He'd never known the lasting love and loyalty of true friends. Severus was thoroughly by himself, more emotionally solitary than Sirius had ever been - and yet he did not play his own card."

This paragraph touched my heart so fiercely and made me love Severus that much more. He's always been one of my favorite characters and this paragraph just describes him so well.

And I have to say, for being your first fanfic, this is well written! You are quite the author and I'm excited to read more- both of this story and the rest of your work.

I just finished reading this story, but I couldn't leave it at that so here is my attempt at a little review. Excuse my mistakes or simple formulation as English isn't my best language :) Somehow I stumbled across this story, after not being on this site for a long time. And honestly, I'm so happy I bookmarked this while searching for a Sirius story to read. I'm sure I'll leave it there, in my bookmarks, for later to read it again. (Yes I bookmark stuff all the time, i suddenly feel like that's a bit weird. Anyway) I'm not as good with words as you are, so I don't think I can express how much I enjoyed reading this story and how sad I was for it to end. I've read quite some stories on this site, and I've never really been so.. stunned by someone's way of writing. You had eye for everything, not just their love for each other, and I think that's one of the things I appreciate the most. I like how you portrayed the characters and that you didn't just set them up immediately. Though I didn't quite expect that I had to wait until the last chapter for them to confess their love haha :) I loved the details, the plot and how real it was, how everything fit together. Ah well, all I can say is that you should keep writing, because after reading this I'm positive that you are meant to do so. Lots of applause :)

Author's Response: Hooray! Thank you. :) I wrote this a long time ago, it feels. It was my very first fan fiction. I'm so happy you liked it; Sirius will forever be my favorite and it was cathartic for me to be able to give him the life he deserved rather than stick with the sad canon ending.

I just wanted to review this to say that this is my favourite story on HPFF ever. Snape/Nora is like my OTP haha.
It's just so well written and gah I love it so much and I love you so much for writing it asdfghjkl;lkjhgfdsajk;l

Author's Response: Aww, thank you!! No one really reads this story anymore, since it's been finished for ages, so it's a treat to see people crop up randomly and tell me their opinions!

This is a very strange review for me to leave, and hopefully it won't be quite as strange to read. :) I would normally start out by saying that I started this story two weeks and one day ago, but I suppose in this case that'd be a pretty dishonest statement. In truth, I started this story over a year ago, and through a number of factors which you already know -- time and distraction and a bit of writing of my own, which this story inspired -- I left it at something like chapter 9. And you, silly Sarah, thought I'd leave it for good! But you know I couldn't do that; it wouldn't be fair, and besides that, I hated leaving something from my favorite fan fiction author unfinished. Every time I scrolled past it in my favorites list, I felt a bit more guilty.

And now I'm here, at the last chapter, with all sorts of emotions running through me. Predominant among them is a sense of accomplishment, but that's not what it should be about. It's closure, and happiness, and curiosity, and a bit of regret that this story ended quite before I wanted it to. I know it's not your favorite thing you've written, but there is so much of you in this story, and I hope you can read that without facepalming. :D It's your style and your voice, and the characters that you and I've spent a lot of time talking about elsewhere, and it's your time. Countless hours are documented here in these words, and you really should be proud of this. As writers, we don't love everything we write, and we shouldn't have to feel as though we do, but everything we do write is still very, very much us. I'm proud of this story on behalf of you, and it really is fantastic!

I loved Nora, even when I wanted to shake her until her teeth rattled, because that just made me root for her all the more. I loved Snape, of course, and it's no secret, but you very much did him justice in this story -- his emotions, his appearance, his mannerisms, all so spot on. Your Tonks was so much fun, your Molly endearingly stubborn, your Remus heartbreakingly pensive. And, last on purpose, your Sirius -- there is no comparable Sirius anywhere, not that I've read. If I'd never talked to you outside of reviews, I'd know the immense appreciation you have of him, just from the justice you did him here. He is J.K. Rowling's character, but you breathed new life into him and gave him the happiness she couldn't afford to, and I'd like to think that somehow, she would be grateful on knowing someone did that for him. I could go on and on and I'd never reach the end of the list just because I cannot tell you enough how much I truly respect you for keeping this so canon, so real, so vivid. It's a work of art, if fan fiction can legitimately be termed such. I thoroughly loved every single minute I spent reading this story; I wouldn't trade it for anything!

You've accomplished something here that so, so many people only strive for, but never attain, and you just need to know how seriously awesome this story is. I regret immensely not finishing it sooner, and am so glad that I did come back for a second try at it (not that I ever doubted I would!). I can't tell you the times when something you said, some way you turned a phrase or analyzed something, sparked more inspiration in me, as well. You heap tons of undeserved praise on In The Black and In The Red (and how I'm ever supposed to thank you for that, I haven't the foggiest), but it all comes from YOU. Reading this story was what made me write a Snape/OC in the first place, and even though I know you know that, it warrants reminding every now and again. :) And it's not just Snape: Your battle scene with Lucius and Nora in the Ministry (my very, very favorite chapter in the novel) is something I still reference when writing action scenes. I don't know if you remember my initial reaction to it, but I was so completely blown away by it, and even re-reading it in the past week or so, it gave me goosebumps that literally did not go away for a good fifteen or twenty minutes. You're an inspiration to me, one of the biggest since I've started writing more than just drabbles here and there, and I don't want you ever forgetting that!

I don't know why I chose to leave such a long review on this; I mean, I know you'll appreciate it, and I know it's to make up for the however-many chapters I stayed silent on. But I think also it's because I feel like I needed every one of those 6,000 characters (or however many I'll end up using) to convey to you how happy this story made me. You've grown as a writer since writing this, undoubtedly, but this is your very first, and without this story, I might not have known you -- and that thought's horrible! I'm so proud of you, and this story, and everything you've written since, and I cannot wait to see your books on shelves. Because they're going to be, and I'll be first in line every time, camping out for midnight releases and reading until my eyes are sore.

And now you're probably rolling your eyes, wondering when I'll stop and if I'm just a little pile of oatmeal on the floor now (and basically I am, but that's beside the point). So, once more: This story is fantastic. Fantastic. And I refuse to ever hear you say different. I love you, and every single word above is the absolute truth.

FORILLZ, YO ~

♥

Author's Response: BLEERRGGGHHH

♥

Okay, so firstlies: You are awesome. You've read more of my writing than anyone else, ever. If anyone is familiar with my stuff, it's you. I think, actually, that you're more familiar with my style than I am because you tell me a lot that you see me in my work, and I go back and ogle the lines as if expecting to see a miniature version of myself waving back at me saying RIGHT HERE, HERE I AM, because I have difficulty seeing any of my stuff with any kind of perspective. That also makes me nervous because I recycle words/phrases like a boss and if anyone's able to recognize that, it's you. SO JUST PRETEND I NEVER DO THAT, OKAY. ♥

Also must commend you for finishing this whole thing, EVEN THOUGH YOU KNOW YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO, and God knows I tried to talk you out of it, but you plowed onward anyway, ignoring my rants and eye-rolling and fingernail-biting. You could have stopped midway, declaring that you would rather take a two day jog through a desert while drinking salt water than watch Nora and Sirius getthisclose and then break away all angsty-like, lamenting their inner woes and turmoils all while staring at each other lustfully, etc., barf.

I was so sad when I finished the last Harry Potter book. This story made me feel like I was right back in the thick of things. I was so happy to be with my favorite characters again, and it was so interesting for the story to be told from a different character's point of view. In the JK Rowling version I felt Sirius's fate was so tragic, it was really just too sad for me to take. In this story by Toujours Padfoot, I got my happily ever after. Wish there was more at the end about Sirius being a great godfather to Harry, but still this was my favorite story ever after finishing the 7 books.

Author's Response: Hello there! This was my first fan fiction, so I had no prior experiences with creating an OC in a world of preexisting characters. It was interesting to view that world through Nora's eyes. And I agree, Sirius's ending was way too tragic; he got such a raw deal, spending so much of his life imprisoned only to escape and then have to hide out, and then be killed. D:

Yeah, by the end of this story I really just wanted to continue on to new stories, so I didn't delve much into Sirius's relationship with Harry. If I could rewrite the whole thing I think I would focus a lot more on that.

Wow, what an amazing compliment! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. :)